Impact of corona on our moving operations

Many clients are asking us about the impact of the Corona virus in Europe and its implications on trade and the movement of goods.

The impact of the corona virus continues to grow daily in complexity and effect. Ocean carriers have increased their cancelled vessel sailings on routes from Asia to worldwide destinations. This is raising industry concerns of an impending container equipment shortage in overseas markets. In Europe, we expect that a shortage of container equipment for exports, from both feeder and main ports will be an issue in the near future. There is also pressure on airfreight capacity because of the much-reduced passenger flights.

In regions regarded as high risk of contagion, we are seeing robust government measures implemented, such as:

• Restriction or a ban on access to contagious areas.
• Suspension of non-critical work activities (both clerical and manual), other than working from home.
• Closure or restricted activity of Public Offices.
• Restriction of access, or suspension of freight services for movement of goods by road, rail, sea or air.
• Quarantine measures, both imposed and self-isolation.

Gosselin is constantly monitoring the situation in conjunction with our ocean, air and road carrier supply chain, and our worldwide partner moving network. Where appropriate, we will ensure consignments which cannot be shipped onward, are professionally stored, and you and / or your transferees are kept fully informed. Where we encounter a clear ban or restriction on the movement of a consignment, we will advise you and / or your transferee, so that an appropriate course of action, response or postponement of the move can be agreed. Where a freight route is suspended, we will seek alternative routing options for consideration.

The cost impact on the physical moving expenses such as additional storage or re-routing of a consignment may be unavoidable in some situations. Please be assured that Gosselin will work diligently to minimize additional cost and will always discuss the alternative options and cost implications with our clients before proceeding.

About Gosselin

Gosselin is a leading provider of international moving and destination services. Our clients are multinationals, relocation management companies, expats, diplomats, military personnel and private persons. Gosselin has 56 offices in 34 countries and has a strong presence in Europe, Eastern Europe, Russia, the Caucasus and Central Asia.

Gosselin is a division of the Gosselin Group that has its headquarters in Antwerp, Belgium. The company was founded in 1930 and employs a staff of 800 that generates more than 300 million euros in turnover.